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Scientific Reports Nov 2017Leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer, although its etiology is still largely unknown. Growing evidence supports a role for infection in the etiology... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer, although its etiology is still largely unknown. Growing evidence supports a role for infection in the etiology of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and the involvement of the immune system suggests that vaccination may also play a role. However, the findings presented in the published literature are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis. 14 studies were identified and meta-analyzed. Vaccinations studied comprised Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, Triple vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), Polio, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, trivalent MMR vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (HiB) vaccine. We observed a protective association between any vaccination in the first year of life and risk of childhood leukemia (summary odds ratio (OR) 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.91]). When individual vaccines were analysed, some evidence of an association was seen only for BCG (summary OR 0.73 [95% CI 0.50-1.08]). In conclusion, early vaccination appears to be associated with a reduced risk of childhood leukemia. This finding may be underpinned by the association observed for BCG. Given the relatively imprecise nature of the results of this meta-analysis, our findings should be interpreted cautiously and replicated in future studies.
Topics: Haemophilus Vaccines; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Humans; Leukemia; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Vaccination; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 29167460
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16067-0 -
Journal of Travel Medicine Mar 2020Pregnant travellers and their offspring are vulnerable to severe outcomes following a wide range of infections. Vaccine-preventable diseases can have a particularly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Pregnant travellers and their offspring are vulnerable to severe outcomes following a wide range of infections. Vaccine-preventable diseases can have a particularly severe course in pregnant women, but little is known about the safety of travel vaccines in pregnant women. We performed a systematic review of all published literature concerning the safety of vaccines frequently given to travellers such as yellow fever, MMR (mumps, measles and rubella), influenza, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), meningococcus, hepatitis A and B, rabies, polio, typhoid fever, tick-borne encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. We included case series, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For the meta-analysis, we included only RCTs that compared the administration of a vaccine to placebo or to no vaccine. Outcome measures included severe systemic adverse events, maternal outcomes related to the course of pregnancy, neonatal outcomes and local adverse events. We calculated the risk ratio and its 95% confidence interval as the summary measure. The safety of influenza vaccine is supported by high-quality evidence. For Tdap vaccine, no evidence of any harm was found in the meta-analysis of RCTs. A slight increase in chorioamnionitis rate was reported in 3 out of 12 observational studies. However, this small possible risk is far outweighed by a much larger benefit in terms of infant morbidity and mortality. Meningococcal vaccines are probably safe during pregnancy, as supported by RCTs comparing meningococcal vaccines to other vaccines. Data from observational studies support the safety of hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies vaccines, as well as that of the live attenuated yellow fever vaccine. We found little or no data about the safety of polio, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis and MMR vaccines during pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Travel Medicine; Travel-Related Illness; Vaccination; Vaccines
PubMed: 31616947
DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz074 -
BMC Public Health May 2020To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants on child health...
BACKGROUND
To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants on child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO).
METHODS
A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments' responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.
CONCLUSIONS
Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO, demonstrating the importance that economic policy may have for equity in child health and development. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.
Topics: Child; Child Health; Economic Recession; Europe; Humans; Public Policy; Social Determinants of Health
PubMed: 32423441
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08732-3 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2022M-M-R® (M-M-R II) is routinely used in many countries at 12-15 months with a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. However, the vaccine may need to be administered at...
M-M-R® (M-M-R II) is routinely used in many countries at 12-15 months with a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. However, the vaccine may need to be administered at other ages due to delays in the immunization schedule or in certain situations such as outbreaks or international travel. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of M-M-R II among 6- to 11-month-olds and persons ≥7 years of age. A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in 2019 including Medline, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL. Only one study reported seroconversion rates after one dose in infants at 9 months of age: 87.4% (measles), 92.3% (mumps), and 91.2% (rubella); no safety data were reported. Seven studies reported immunogenicity and safety data for M-M-R II at ≥7 years of age. Seroconversion rates ranged from 96%-100% (measles), 65%-100% (mumps), and 91%-100% (rubella). Rates of selected adverse events ranged from 5.2%-8.7% for fever (≥38°C or ≥38.1°C), 2%-33.3% for injection site reactions, and 0.4% for measles/rubella-like rash (one study). No efficacy studies were found. This literature review identified RCTs with evidence to support that M-M-R II is immunogenic and well tolerated in individuals ≥7 years of age.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Humans; Immunization Schedule; Infant; Measles; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Mumps; Rubella; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 34128759
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1933874 -
Cureus Mar 2024Febrile seizures (FS) are commonly seen in younger age groups. The cause of seizures is multifactorial, including viral illnesses, certain vaccines such as MMR (measles,... (Review)
Review
Febrile seizures (FS) are commonly seen in younger age groups. The cause of seizures is multifactorial, including viral illnesses, certain vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), family history of FS, and certain mineral deficiencies like zinc. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in children of the same age group. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This review aimed to investigate the correlation between IDA and fever convulsions. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for studies published between January 2013 and September 2023. The following keywords were used to search the articles: "children", "febrile seizures", and "iron deficiency anemia", using all possible combinations and using the word "and" between them. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria application, we included 23 case-control studies written in the English language in this study. Quality assessment of studies was done using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.
PubMed: 38638769
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56470 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2019Herd immunity levels of vaccine uptake are still not reached in some high-income countries, usually in countries with persisting social inequities in uptake. Previous...
BACKGROUND
Herd immunity levels of vaccine uptake are still not reached in some high-income countries, usually in countries with persisting social inequities in uptake. Previous studies have focused on factors within one health care system. This study takes a broader health care systems approach by reviewing the socioeconomic distribution of vaccination coverage on the national level in light of structural and organizational differences of primary care for children.
METHODS
A systematic literature review of socio-economic patterns of uptake of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) and/or Diphteria-Tetanus-Pertusis (DTP) in population based studies of children 0-5 years of age living in the 30 European Economic Area (EEA) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and Australia, was carried out using the PRISMA guidelines. The health care system in the countries in the study were categorized by degree of freedom of the primary care provider (hierarchical or non-hierarchical) and whether preventive services were provided in a separate organization (well-baby clinics).
RESULTS
The review identified 15 studies from 10 European countries and Australia that fulfilled the criteria. Although the heterogeneity of the socio-economic indicators did not allow for a conclusive meta-analysis, the study pointed towards lower levels of inequities in primary care models with well-baby clinics. In non-hierarchical primary care organizations that also lacked well-baby clinics, socioeconomic gaps in uptake were often found to be large.
CONCLUSION
This review indicates that structural and organizational aspects of health care systems for young children are important for equity in vaccine uptake.
Topics: Australia; Child, Preschool; Europe; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infant; Socioeconomic Factors; Vaccination Coverage
PubMed: 30866881
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6597-4 -
BMJ Global Health Nov 2020There are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance...
BACKGROUND
There are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance has been informed by the best available evidence. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the evidence on outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prison.
METHODS
We searched seven electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and official reports published between 1 January 2000 and 28 July 2020. We included quantitative primary research that reported an outbreak of a given contagious disease in a correctional facility and examined the effects of interventions. We excluded studies that did not provide detail on interventions. We synthesised common themes using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline, identified gaps in the literature and critically appraised the effectiveness of various containment approaches.
RESULTS
We identified 28 relevant studies. Investigations were all based in high-income countries and documented outbreaks of tuberculosis, influenza (types A and B), varicella, measles, mumps, adenovirus and COVID-19. Several themes were common to these reports, including the public health implications of infectious disease outbreaks in prison, and the role of interagency collaboration, health communication, screening for contagious diseases, restriction, isolation and quarantine, contact tracing, immunisation programmes, epidemiological surveillance and prison-specific guidelines in addressing any outbreaks.
DISCUSSION
Prisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of contagious diseases and there are considerable challenges in managing outbreaks in them. A public health approach to managing COVID-19 in prisons is required.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020178827.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Communicable Diseases; Contact Tracing; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Health Communication; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Prisons; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Young Adult
PubMed: 33199278
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003201 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2017Childhood vaccination is an effective way to prevent serious childhood illnesses, but many children do not receive all the recommended vaccines. There are various... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Childhood vaccination is an effective way to prevent serious childhood illnesses, but many children do not receive all the recommended vaccines. There are various reasons for this; some parents lack access because of poor quality health services, long distances or lack of money. Other parents may not trust vaccines or the healthcare workers who provide them, or they may not see the need for vaccination due to a lack of information or misinformation about how vaccinations work and the diseases they can prevent.Communication with parents about childhood vaccinations is one way of addressing these issues. Communication can take place at healthcare facilities, at home or in the community. Communication can be two-way, for example face-to-face discussions between parents and healthcare providers, or one-way, for instance via text messages, posters or radio programmes. Some types of communication enable parents to actively discuss vaccines and their benefits and harms, as well as diseases they can prevent. Other communication types simply give information about vaccination issues or when and where vaccines are available. People involved in vaccine programmes need to understand how parents experience different types of communication about vaccination and how this influences their decision to vaccinate.
OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of the review were to identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring: parents' and informal caregivers' views and experiences regarding communication about childhood vaccinations and the manner in which it is communicated; and the influence that vaccination communication has on parents' and informal caregivers' decisions regarding childhood vaccination.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched MEDLINE (OvidSP), MEDLINE In-process and Other Non-Index Citations (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EbscoHOST), and Anthropology Plus (EbscoHost) databases for eligible studies from inception to 30 August 2016. We developed search strategies for each database, using guidelines developed by the Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group for searching for qualitative evidence as well as modified versions of the search developed for three related reviews of effectiveness. There were no date or geographic restrictions for the search.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies that utilised qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; focused on the views and experiences of parents and informal caregivers regarding information about vaccination for children aged up to six years; and were from any setting globally where information about childhood vaccinations was communicated or distributed.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used maximum variation purposive sampling for data synthesis, using a three-step sampling frame. We conducted a thematic analysis using a constant comparison strategy for data extraction and synthesis. We assessed our confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. High confidence suggests that it is highly likely that the review finding is a reasonable representation of the phenomenon of interest, while very low confidence indicates that it is not clear whether the review finding is a reasonable representation of it. Using a matrix model, we then integrated our findings with those from other Cochrane reviews that assessed the effects of different communication strategies on parents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour about childhood vaccination.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 38 studies, mostly from high-income countries, many of which explored mothers' perceptions of vaccine communication. Some focused on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.In general, parents wanted more information than they were getting (high confidence in the evidence). Lack of information led to worry and regret about vaccination decisions among some parents (moderate confidence).Parents wanted balanced information about vaccination benefits and harms (high confidence), presented clearly and simply (moderate confidence) and tailored to their situation (low confidence in the evidence). Parents wanted vaccination information to be available at a wider variety of locations, including outside health services (low confidence) and in good time before each vaccination appointment (moderate confidence).Parents viewed health workers as an important source of information and had specific expectations of their interactions with them (high confidence). Poor communication and negative relationships with health workers sometimes impacted on vaccination decisions (moderate confidence).Parents generally found it difficult to know which vaccination information source to trust and challenging to find information they felt was unbiased and balanced (high confidence).The amount of information parents wanted and the sources they felt could be trusted appeared to be linked to acceptance of vaccination, with parents who were more hesitant wanting more information (low to moderate confidence).Our synthesis and comparison of the qualitative evidence shows that most of the trial interventions addressed at least one or two key aspects of communication, including the provision of information prior to the vaccination appointment and tailoring information to parents' needs. None of the interventions appeared to respond to negative media stories or address parental perceptions of health worker motives.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We have high or moderate confidence in the evidence contributing to several review findings. Further research, especially in rural and low- to middle-income country settings, could strengthen evidence for the findings where we had low or very low confidence. Planners should consider the timing for making vaccination information available to parents, the settings where information is available, the provision of impartial and clear information tailored to parental needs, and parents' perceptions of health workers and the information provided.
Topics: Caregivers; Child; Communication; Decision Making; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Parents; Qualitative Research; Trust; Vaccination
PubMed: 28169420
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011787.pub2 -
Expert Review of Vaccines Sep 2020Italy (in pilot regions) and Germany (nationwide) were the first European countries to introduce universal varicella vaccination (UVV) programs. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
Italy (in pilot regions) and Germany (nationwide) were the first European countries to introduce universal varicella vaccination (UVV) programs.
AREAS COVERED
A systematic review was performed to assess varicella epidemiology before UVV programs and the impact of 1-dose and 2-dose UVV programs in Italy and Germany.
EXPERT OPINION
Italy implemented 1- or 2-dose UVV programs successively in eight pilot regions between 2003 and 2011 and nationwide in 2017. Germany implemented 1- and 2-dose UVV programs in 2004 and 2009, respectively. While Italy had two nationwide surveillance systems in place for varicella in the pre-vaccination era, in Germany, a mandatory notification system for varicella was only introduced in the New Federal States 2 years before the 1-dose UVV implementation. Substantial reductions in moderate/severe varicella and varicella-related hospitalization incidence occurred during the 1-dose era. Further reductions were reported in Italy and Germany after the recommendation of a second dose in a long or short schedule, respectively. Different benefit-risk evaluations of a tetravalent varicella-containing vaccine (MMRV) used as a first dose led to different recommendations (MMRV versus MMR+V) in these countries. Vaccination strategies in both countries tailored to country-specific needs and goals led to a reduction in varicella-related health care hospitalization costs.
Topics: Chickenpox; Chickenpox Vaccine; Disease Notification; Germany; Health Care Costs; Hospitalization; Humans; Immunization Programs; Italy; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Vaccination; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 32969747
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1825947 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2021Warts can be difficult to treat and progressing to chronic and resistant disease. Several studies have reported the successful application of mumps-measles-rubella (MMR)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Intralesional measles-mumps-rubella is associated with a higher complete response in cutaneous warts: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial including GRADE qualification.
INTRODUCTION
Warts can be difficult to treat and progressing to chronic and resistant disease. Several studies have reported the successful application of mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine resulting in clearance of warts immunomodulation and induction of immune system.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search on the role of intralesional MMR in warts from several electronic databases. Complete response is defined as complete clearance of warts lesion.
RESULTS
There were a total of 425 subjects from five studies. Intralesional injection of MMR was associated with an increased complete response (OR 9.43 [5.78, 15.37], < .001; : 5%, = .38). Subgroup analysis on patients receiving injection for every 2 weeks for a maximum of five injections revealed an OR of 11.70 [6.40, 21.38], < .001; : 20%, = .29. Patients receiving intralesional MMR were associated with a lower partial response (OR 0.54 [0.33, 0.88], = .01; : 0%, = .66). Intralesional MMR was associated with a reduced no-response (OR 0.16 [0.06, 0.43], < .001; : 69%, = .01). Funnel plot analysis for complete response was asymmetrical, indicating the risk of publication bias. There were statistically significant small-study effects for intralesional MMR on complete response upon analysis using Harbord's test ( = .047). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment showed that intralesional MMR injection has high level of certainty (quality of evidence) for complete response in warts with an absolute increase of 505 per 1000.
CONCLUSION
Intralesional MMR injection was associated with a higher complete response and lower no-response with a high level of certainty.
Topics: Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Measles; Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; Mumps; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rubella; Warts
PubMed: 31985307
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1716931